Paulding County Names New Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator

Hiram, Georgia – Stephen Dooley has been named Paulding County’s new EMA Coordinator.

Dooley has nearly 20 years of experience in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency management. He’s spent the last 15 years with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, most recently as a Detective Corporal in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Prior to coming to Paulding, he served the citizens of Polk County in their Sheriff's Office, as an EMA Assistant in their Emergency Management Agency, as a volunteer Firefighter, and as the Disaster Services/Emergency Preparedness Director for City of Aragon Fire Department.

Vickie Thompson, Paulding County’s Deputy EMA Director commented, “As you can see, Stephen brings vast experience to our department. He has been a Certified Emergency Manager since 2007 and is state-certified by GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency). Last year he also earned national recognition as a Homeland Protection Professional thru the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition. We are very fortunate to have someone with his background here in Paulding County. When a disaster strikes it is crucial to have knowledge and experience on our side so we can act fast to help our community.”

The Paulding County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) helps local officials, businesses, and citizens plan and prepare before disasters strike. The EMA office serves as the local conduit for state and federal disaster relief programs. They coordinate immediate aid county-wide if a major incident occurs. If that happens, part of the EMA responsibility is to conduct a damage assessment that may result in a disaster declaration at the state or federal level with things such as external disaster support and funding.

Photo courtesy of Paulding County.